Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause serious difficulties at school, at work or home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is utilized by health professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A full assessment includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals ask about the family's history, and examine the school records from the past.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can affect the way a person lives at home, school or work. They can disrupt relationships and careers, leading to financial issues or a driver's license and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to struggle with concentration or being organized from time to the time however, if it becomes an ongoing problem that hinders everyday functioning, a health provider may be able to determine ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the person in two distinct environments, such as at home and at school, or in workplace and social situations. They should observe the person in these situations for at least six months and determine that the symptoms are significantly hindering their ability to perform. The symptoms must also be present prior to the age of 12 years old. Children who meet diagnostic criteria for hyperactivity/impulsivity or inattentive type of ADHD usually are fidgety, talkative and have excess energy that keeps them from sitting still. They often are not able to wait for their turn, and they interrupt or intrude upon others.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying focused. They are often wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be overlooked, and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in the elementary school setting which could prepare them for failure later in their lives.
The hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD is most common in children and involves the presence of at least six symptoms that include extreme restlessness, trouble with paying attention, constant movement or "on the go" behavior, excess energy and talkativeness. They have trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are finished and have trouble controlling their emotions.
It's a relief to receive the diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always an easy process. It's okay to feel embarrassed. However honesty is the best approach. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized that their struggles have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they see themselves, which may be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different times in both adults and children. In Click Webpage , the symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, symptoms begin a bit later. The symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. They can also be a combination of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity or more focused on one or the other. In some cases the condition is not properly diagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorders like depression or anxiety.
If your child or teen is showing signs of ADHD The first step is to consult your doctor. They will perform an examination of the body, including audio and vision to make sure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of the symptoms. They will want to know how the symptoms have affected their family and school life. They will also want to hear about any past problems they've faced.
For adults, a healthcare professional who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct behavioral interviews and clinical scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to determine your cognitive abilities, as well as how you think and process information. They could also conduct an examination of the brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures brain activity in certain brain regions that control your attention and the impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to determine whether there are any additional mental conditions or injuries, for example thyroid issues or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for a thorough evaluation to psychiatrists or psychologists.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six or more symptoms that started in childhood, or prior to age 12. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be causing serious difficulties in your daily life. Adults need to be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, however the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms and they must affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and at school. There are a variety of treatments available, including treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Many people have success with lifestyle changes, like setting up a routine that is consistent, using a planner or notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Some people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which assists them in improving their problem-solving and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy that addresses the distortions in thinking, leading to low self-esteem and negative moods.
Health professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a person's situation. They will examine the person's current symptoms, and in the case of an adult, their previous behaviors and school experiences. They will conduct clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also inquire about the family history of mental illnesses and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods, behaviors and how they have changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more signs that start before the age of 12 and can cause problems in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms should also be more severe than expected for a person of the same age.
A medical checkup is usually performed to make sure that the person does not have any other health problems. Doctors will review the person's symptoms and medical and mental history and may recommend an eye examination or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. If the person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. It's also normal to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders can be more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, like certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or health care provider for an evaluation prior to making a diagnosis. This person will ask about the symptoms of your child and how they affect their daily life. They may also use scoring scales or a checklist to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also do physical examinations and tests for hearing or vision problems. They can also request an EEG brain scan which measures beta and theta waves to determine changes in your child’s brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD they must display numerous symptoms that are noticeably greater than the norm for their age or development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, at school or at work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication to lead an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can result in lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions, since they are unable to read social cues. They often interrupt others and can appear aggressive or intense. They are at risk for anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are evident but do not hinder daily life. They can which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely than other people to experience problems at work, like difficulties keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.
People who don't receive treatment could face grave consequences, such as financial difficulties, health problems and legal issues. There are many treatment options for ADHD which include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH has more information on these options and how you can talk with your family about them.